ShareThisBy MIKE BERMAN
Friday, October 13, 2006
It has become a wireless world and, for us to survive as players, we must continue to create and implement new ways to take advantage of all that it has to offer. Enter, stage left, the new era of high-speed wireless.
Now I'm not referring to the new 802.11n protocol, which still is more myth than reality. Instead, I refer to two new products from Netgear that allow you to access the Internet and data at speeds that rival those of Ethernet networks.
The new RangeMax 240 Wireless Router ($179) and Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter and Kit ($249.99) give you "wireless" access to your network at speeds that were unimaginable a few years ago.
The RangeMax router delivers Internet and network access at speeds up to 240 megabytes per second, delivering multiple streams of data using a single wireless channel. It also delivers a more consistent wireless signal, essentially eliminating dead spots and periodic loss or deterioration in connection speeds.
Other key features include:
_ A SmartWizard that simplifies setup by automatically configuring your router to your ISP's specifications.
_ Touchless Wi-Fi security, improves performance of 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networks by 50 percent.
_ Advanced MIMO technology provides wireless speeds of up to 204 mbps when used with RangeMax 240 wireless adapters. It offers added security with two firewalls _ _ Network Address Translation to hide PCs and files from outside users and Stateful Packet Inspection to deny outside requests for personal information.
_ Remote management and access to all of the router's tools via cyberspace.
_ One Internet and four Ethernet ports with auto-sensing technology.
_ WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK protection, preventing access to your network by unauthorized users.
The Powerline adapter kit allows you to use the wiring inside your house to access your Ethernet or wireless network without deterioration in speed or quality of signal. In fact, I noticed that it actually boosted the speed of my wireless network.
Just connect one unit to an Ethernet port on your router and plug it into a wall outlet. Then you can plug in up to 15 more units wherever you need network access, attach them to the devices using Ethernet cables, and you're connected to your network.
Among its key features are:
_ Built-in Quality of Service for video streaming, gaming and VoIP.
_ Simple plug and play installation.
_ You can connect up to 16 units to one network.
_ It is capable of delivering data at speeds up to 200 mbps.
_ It can be connected to game consoles, set top boxes or PCs.
More information on these products can be found at www.netgear.com.
(Mike Berman can be reached at jocgeek(at)earthlink.net or through his Web site at www.jocgeek.com.)
